Bears 23, Vikings 13

Sunday, December 3rd 2006, 3:45 pm

By: News On 6

CHICAGO (AP) Devin Hester ran to the record book again, Ricky Manning Jr. returned an interception for a touchdown, and the Chicago Bears claimed their second straight NFC North title Sunday.

Hester tied an NFL record with his fourth touchdown return, and Manning ran back an interception 54 yards to lead Chicago to a 23-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on a frigid afternoon.

And the Bears overcame another shaky performance by quarterback Rex Grossman. The Vikings couldn't overcome Brad Johnson's, however.

With the temperature around 20 and wind chill in single digits, Grossman did little to stop the debate whether he should start. And Johnson was replaced.

With some fans calling for backup Brian Griese after a loss at New England, Grossman was 6-19 for 34 yards and threw 3 interceptions for the second straight week, but stayed in the game. He has 14 interceptions in the last seven games after throwing 3 in the first five.

He was picked off twice in the 1st half, and his first attempt of the 3rd quarter was intercepted.

As bad as Grossman was, Johnson wasn't any better.

The veteran was 11-26 with 73 yards and 4 interceptions before being lifted for Brooks Bollinger late in the 3rd quarter, and his last 2 passes ended in the Bears' hands.